House of Commons · General Debate
18 December 2025 · 4 other contributors
Opened by Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Bob Blackman raised concerns about 15th anniversary 2025-12-18 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Pays tribute to predecessors, outlines role of the committee in encouraging debates on diverse subjects and facilitating Select Committee statements. Highlights reduction in substantive motions from 63% to 25%, calls for more flexible allocation of debate times beyond Thursdays, suggests changes in Standing Orders to allow timely topical debates, and proposes reforms in private Members' Bills and continuous chairmanship throughout Parliament.
Asks whether the committee can encourage more media interest in Backbench Business Committee debates.
Suggests that debate application requirements be reconsidered due to fewer Opposition Members post-election, noting difficulties in obtaining required cross-party support.
Asks whether the committee supports debates inspired by public petitions being held in the main Chamber rather than Westminster Hall.
Mr Bob Blackman responded positively to the lead MP's question by praising the high volume of applications from Members, both new and experienced. He highlighted that over 44 applications were made before the general election and noted that it is now common for well-supported debates on issues affecting MPs to be granted.